Quick Answer
“Look forward to” is a polite phrase used to express anticipation or excitement about a future event. For more variety and precision, try alternatives like “eagerly anticipate,” “await with pleasure,” “counting down to,” “can’t wait for,” or “am excited about.”
“Look forward to” is one of the most useful phrases in professional and personal English. It appears at the end of emails, in meeting requests, in thank you notes, and in everyday conversation. It signals polite anticipation and warmth without being overly emotional. Because it is so common, many learners use it in every situation, which makes their writing sound repetitive.
Learning the alternatives to look forward to gives you the ability to match your tone to the context. You can sound formal in a business proposal, casual in a text to a friend, or enthusiastic in a personal message. You can also express excitement in English without repeating the same phrase.
This guide provides 30 practical alternatives with meanings, examples, and clear notes on tone. Whether you are writing a client email, a cover letter, or a simple message, these options will help you sound fluent, confident, and natural.
Pull Quote: “Anticipation is a feeling. The right words make the other person feel it too.”
Quick Categories
Formal alternatives to “Look forward to”
- Eagerly anticipate
- Await with pleasure
- Anticipate with enthusiasm
- Look ahead to
Pro Tip: Formal alternatives suit business proposals, official correspondence, and academic writing.
Casual alternatives
- Can’t wait
- Counting down
- Excited for
- Pumped for
Pro Tip: Casual options work with friends, family, and close colleagues.
Professional alternatives
- Anticipate
- Await
- Expect with pleasure
- Look ahead to
Pro Tip: Professional alternatives should match the warmth of your message and the nature of your relationship.
Informal expressions
- Buzzing for
- Dying to
- Stoked for
- Keen for
Pro Tip: Informal expressions belong in texts, chats, and conversations with people you know well.
Pull Quote: “The right tone makes your English sound professional and confident.”
Common Mistakes
- Using the wrong verb form after “look forward to.”
Example: “I look forward to meet you” instead of “I look forward to meeting you.” - Using it in a context where it sounds insincere.
Example: “I look forward to your prompt payment.” It can sound passive aggressive. - Overusing it in the same email.
Example: “I look forward to your reply. I look forward to hearing from you.” Choose one. - Using it in casual conversation where it sounds stiff.
Example: “I look forward to the party” instead of “I can’t wait for the party.” - Forgetting the object after “to.”
Example: “I look forward to.” The sentence is incomplete without a noun or gerund.
What Does “Look Forward To” Mean?
Definition
It means to feel pleased and excited about something that is going to happen.
Grammar Explanation
The phrase is followed by a noun or a gerund, which is a verb ending in ing. For example, “I look forward to meeting you” is correct, while “I look forward to meet you” is incorrect.
Example Sentence
“I look forward to hearing from you soon.”
When to Use “Look Forward To”
Common Contexts
- Email closings: Ending a message politely.
- Meeting requests: Confirming plans.
- Personal messages: Expressing excitement about an event.
- Cover letters: Showing enthusiasm for a role.
- Thank you notes: Acknowledging future contact.
Spoken vs Written
- Spoken: Common but often replaced by “can’t wait” in casual speech.
- Written: Extremely common in emails, letters, and formal correspondence.
Formal vs Informal
- Formal: Standard in professional and academic writing.
- Informal: Acceptable but often replaced by more casual phrases in speech.
Is It Professional or Polite to Say “Look Forward To”?
Politeness vs Professionalism
“Look forward to” is both polite and professional. It is one of the safest phrases in business English. However, it can sound generic when used in every email, so varying your phrasing strengthens your communication.
Business-Style Example
“I eagerly anticipate our continued collaboration.”
Polite? Yes
Professional? Yes, in most contexts
Pull Quote: “A safe phrase is useful. A fitting phrase is memorable.”
Pros and Cons of Using “Look Forward To”
Pros
- Simple and natural: Easy to write and universally understood.
- Friendly tone: Warm without being overly casual.
- Common usage: Recognised in every English speaking market.
- Easy to understand: Requires no specialist vocabulary.
Cons
- Too informal for work: Rarely an issue, but can sound generic in formal writing.
- Overused: Loses impact when used in every email.
- Limited emotional range: Cannot express strong enthusiasm or deep emotion.
- Not suitable for formal writing: Acceptable, but precise alternatives often read better.
Other Ways to Say “Look Forward To” (With Examples)
These alternatives will help you sound more fluent, confident, and natural in different situations. Use them according to tone, context, and audience to express excitement, admiration, or approval.
1. Eagerly anticipate
Meaning: To look forward to something with strong enthusiasm.
Explanation: Formal and energetic.
Example Sentence: “We eagerly anticipate your response.”
Best Use: Business letters
Worst Use: Casual chats
Tone: Formal, enthusiastic, professional
Context Variability: Professional and written
2. Await with pleasure
Meaning: To wait for something with enjoyment.
Explanation: Very formal and polite.
Example Sentence: “I await with pleasure the opportunity to meet you.”
Best Use: Formal correspondence
Worst Use: Casual texts
Tone: Formal, polite, dignified
Context Variability: Professional and written
3. Can’t wait
Meaning: To be very excited about something.
Explanation: Informal and enthusiastic.
Example Sentence: “I can’t wait to see you next week.”
Best Use: Friends, family
Worst Use: Formal letters
Tone: Excited, casual, warm
Context Variability: Casual and spoken
4. Counting down
Meaning: Waiting eagerly for something to happen.
Explanation: Implies excitement and anticipation.
Example Sentence: “I am counting down the days until the holiday.”
Best Use: Personal, events
Worst Use: Business reports
Tone: Excited, eager, informal
Context Variability: Casual and spoken
5. Excited about
Meaning: Feeling enthusiasm for something.
Explanation: Simple and warm.
Example Sentence: “I am excited about the new project.”
Best Use: Workplace, personal
Worst Use: Formal reports
Tone: Warm, enthusiastic, positive
Context Variability: Professional and casual
6. Looking ahead to
Meaning: Thinking about a future event with interest.
Explanation: Slightly formal but neutral.
Example Sentence: “Looking ahead to our meeting next month.”
Best Use: Business emails
Worst Use: Casual chats
Tone: Professional, forward looking, neutral
Context Variability: Professional and written
7. Anticipate
Meaning: To expect or look forward to something.
Explanation: Formal and concise.
Example Sentence: “We anticipate a productive discussion.”
Best Use: Business, formal
Worst Use: Casual chats
Tone: Formal, professional, neutral
Context Variability: Professional and written
8. Await
Meaning: To wait for something.
Explanation: Formal and slightly literary.
Example Sentence: “I await your instructions.”
Best Use: Formal correspondence
Worst Use: Everyday speech
Tone: Formal, respectful, serious
Context Variability: Professional and written
9. Expect with pleasure
Meaning: To look forward to something enjoyable.
Explanation: Formal and warm.
Example Sentence: “I expect with pleasure our upcoming collaboration.”
Best Use: Formal letters
Worst Use: Casual chats
Tone: Formal, warm, polite
Context Variability: Professional and written
10. Keen for
Meaning: Eager and enthusiastic about something.
Explanation: Common in British English.
Example Sentence: “I am keen for the launch next week.”
Best Use: Colleagues, friends
Worst Use: Formal reports
Tone: Eager, informal, positive
Context Variability: Casual and spoken
11. Pumped for
Meaning: Very excited about something.
Explanation: Very informal and modern.
Example Sentence: “I am pumped for the concert on Friday.”
Best Use: Friends
Worst Use: Professional emails
Tone: Energetic, informal, enthusiastic
Context Variability: Casual and spoken
12. Stoked for
Meaning: Extremely excited about something.
Explanation: Modern slang.
Example Sentence: “She is stoked for her trip to Japan.”
Best Use: Friends
Worst Use: Formal writing
Tone: Enthusiastic, informal, modern
Context Variability: Casual and spoken
13. Dying to
Meaning: Extremely eager to do something.
Explanation: Dramatic and informal.
Example Sentence: “I am dying to hear your news.”
Best Use: Close friends
Worst Use: Professional contexts
Tone: Dramatic, informal, eager
Context Variability: Casual and spoken
14. Buzzing for
Meaning: Very excited about something.
Explanation: Common in British English.
Example Sentence: “We are buzzing for the team’s big match.”
Best Use: Friends, sports
Worst Use: Formal letters
Tone: Energetic, informal, excited
Context Variability: Casual and spoken
15. Hoping for
Meaning: Wishing for something to happen.
Explanation: Neutral and hopeful.
Example Sentence: “I am hoping for a positive outcome.”
Best Use: General situations
Worst Use: Definitive statements
Tone: Hopeful, neutral, warm
Context Variability: Professional and casual
16. Looking to
Meaning: Planning or intending to do something.
Explanation: Common in business contexts.
Example Sentence: “We are looking to expand into new markets.”
Best Use: Business, planning
Worst Use: Emotional contexts
Tone: Professional, forward looking, neutral
Context Variability: Professional and written
17. Counting on
Meaning: Relying on something to happen.
Explanation: Implies trust and expectation.
Example Sentence: “I am counting on your support for the event.”
Best Use: Personal, workplace
Worst Use: Casual chats
Tone: Trusting, expectant, warm
Context Variability: Professional and personal
18. Ready for
Meaning: Prepared and eager for something.
Explanation: Simple and confident.
Example Sentence: “We are ready for the challenge ahead.”
Best Use: Workplace, personal
Worst Use: Formal reports
Tone: Confident, prepared, positive
Context Variability: Professional and spoken
19. Up for
Meaning: Willing and eager to do something.
Explanation: Very casual.
Example Sentence: “I am up for a new challenge.”
Best Use: Friends, colleagues
Worst Use: Formal writing
Tone: Casual, willing, positive
Context Variability: Casual and spoken
20. Game for
Meaning: Willing to try something.
Explanation: Informal but positive.
Example Sentence: “She is game for anything adventurous.”
Best Use: Friends
Worst Use: Professional contexts
Tone: Informal, adventurous, positive
Context Variability: Casual and spoken
21. Itching for
Meaning: Very eager for something.
Explanation: Informal and vivid.
Example Sentence: “He is itching for the season to start.”
Best Use: Sports, hobbies
Worst Use: Formal writing
Tone: Eager, informal, energetic
Context Variability: Casual and spoken
22. Raring to
Meaning: Extremely eager to do something.
Explanation: Energetic and informal.
Example Sentence: “The team is raring to go.”
Best Use: Sports, projects
Worst Use: Formal letters
Tone: Energetic, eager, informal
Context Variability: Casual and spoken
23. Anxious to
Meaning: Eager but with slight nervousness.
Explanation: Carries mixed emotion.
Example Sentence: “I am anxious to hear the results.”
Best Use: Personal, exams
Worst Use: Formal writing
Tone: Eager, nervous, personal
Context Variability: Casual and spoken
24. Longing for
Meaning: Deeply wanting something.
Explanation: Emotional and literary.
Example Sentence: “She is longing for the day they meet again.”
Best Use: Personal, poetic
Worst Use: Business contexts
Tone: Emotional, poetic, deep
Context Variability: Personal and written
25. Yearning for
Meaning: Intensely wanting something.
Explanation: Formal and literary.
Example Sentence: “He is yearning for a fresh start.”
Best Use: Personal, creative
Worst Use: Business reports
Tone: Emotional, literary, deep
Context Variability: Personal and written
26. Relishing the thought of
Meaning: Enjoying the idea of something.
Explanation: Formal and warm.
Example Sentence: “I am relishing the thought of the holiday.”
Best Use: Personal, formal
Worst Use: Casual chats
Tone: Warm, formal, positive
Context Variability: Professional and written
27. Thrilled about
Meaning: Very excited about something.
Explanation: Warm and enthusiastic.
Example Sentence: “We are thrilled about the new partnership.”
Best Use: Business, personal
Worst Use: Routine tasks
Tone: Enthusiastic, warm, positive
Context Variability: Professional and spoken
28. Delighted about
Meaning: Very pleased about something.
Explanation: Formal and warm.
Example Sentence: “I am delighted about the upcoming event.”
Best Use: Formal correspondence
Worst Use: Casual chats
Tone: Formal, warm, positive
Context Variability: Professional and written
29. Enthusiastic about
Meaning: Showing strong interest and excitement.
Explanation: Professional and positive.
Example Sentence: “She is enthusiastic about the new role.”
Best Use: Workplace, reviews
Worst Use: Casual chats
Tone: Professional, positive, energetic
Context Variability: Professional and written
30. Ready and waiting
Meaning: Fully prepared and eager.
Explanation: Confident and warm.
Example Sentence: “We are ready and waiting for your instructions.”
Best Use: Workplace, service
Worst Use: Casual chats
Tone: Confident, prepared, professional
Context Variability: Professional and written
Pull Quote: “Professional reaction phrases and warm alternatives both show the same thing: you are genuinely interested in what comes next.”
Mini Quiz / Self-Check
- Scenario: You are closing a formal client email. Which fits best?
- A) Can’t wait.
- B) I eagerly anticipate your response.
- C) I am pumped for your reply.
- Scenario: You are texting a friend about an upcoming concert. Which is most natural?
- A) I am counting down the days.
- B) I await with pleasure the event.
- C) I anticipate the occasion.
- Scenario: You are writing a cover letter. Which is most appropriate?
- A) I am stoked for this opportunity.
- B) I am excited about the opportunity to contribute.
- C) I am dying to work here.
- Scenario: Which sentence is grammatically correct?
- A) I look forward to meet you.
- B) I look forward to meeting you.
- C) I look forward meeting you.
Comparison Table: Top Alternatives
| Phrase | Tone | Best Use |
| Eagerly anticipate | Formal, enthusiastic | Business letters |
| Can’t wait | Excited, casual | Friends, family |
| Excited about | Warm, enthusiastic | Workplace, personal |
| Anticipate | Formal, professional | Business, formal |
| Counting down | Excited, eager | Personal, events |
| Await with pleasure | Formal, polite | Formal correspondence |
| Looking ahead to | Professional, neutral | Business emails |
| Thrilled about | Enthusiastic, warm | Business, personal |
| Delighted about | Formal, warm | Formal correspondence |
| Ready and waiting | Confident, professional | Workplace, service |
FAQs
1. What is a formal alternative to “look forward to”?
“Eagerly anticipate,” “await with pleasure,” and “anticipate with enthusiasm” are strong formal alternatives suitable for business letters and official correspondence.
2. What is the grammar rule for “look forward to”?
“Look forward to” must be followed by a noun or a gerund, which is a verb ending in ing. For example, “I look forward to meeting you” is correct.
3. What can I say instead of “look forward to” in casual conversation?
“Can’t wait,” “counting down,” and “excited for” are natural and friendly alternatives for everyday speech.
4. Is “look forward to” too formal for a text message?
It can sound slightly stiff in a text. “Can’t wait” or “excited for” sounds more natural in casual messages.
5. What is the difference between “look forward to” and “anticipate”?
“Look forward to” implies positive excitement, while “anticipate” is more neutral and simply means to expect something.
Conclusion
Learning other ways to say look forward to gives you the ability to express anticipation with warmth, professionalism, and precision. Whether you are closing a client email, texting a friend, or writing a cover letter, the right phrase makes your English sound natural and intentional. These alternatives to look forward to help you move beyond one overused phrase and into richer, more engaging expression.
Practise by choosing one new alternative each week and using it in a real message. Pay close attention to tone and audience, because the right phrase depends on the relationship and the setting. With steady practice, these informal expressions in English and their formal counterparts will become part of your everyday fluency.
John Green is an American writer who contributes to QuickResponsess.com, creating clear and practical content on English grammar, vocabulary and everyday language. His goal is to make learning English simple, engaging and easy to apply.